In 2009, Development Trusts Association Scotland received funding from the Scottish Government to deliver the Promoting Asset Transfer programme. The principal purpose of the programme is to increase levels of awareness and interest within local authorities in asset transfer as a means of increasing community ownership of assets. The most recent survey of council assets reported that more than a quarter were in poor physical condition and almost the same numbers were no longer fit for purpose. With the squeeze on public finances this situation can only get worse. One element of the DTAS programme is a review of current local authority policy and practice in relation to asset transfer across Scotland. The report ‘Public Asset Transfer Empowering Communities: Policy and practice across Scotland’ contains the main  findings of the review and aims to highlight examples of where local  authorities have successfully transferred assets to community groups and provide  illustrations of some of the key issues that can arise.